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Supporting the Troops – Southwest Style

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Adventurer C
One of our Customers recently emailed us about a wall in Chicago Midway Airport dsc04798.JPGthat Southwest Airlines Employees have dedicated to our U.S. military service men and women. dsc04799.JPGIt is such a neat tribute that I thought you might enjoy seeing some photos of the wall. Have you seen other gates in Southwest cities that have been similarly decorated? dsc04801.JPGWe'd love to hear stories of how you've experienced Southwest Employees showing our LUV for the troops!dsc04807.JPG
7 Comments
C__Parker
Explorer C
I am appalled that you will not reissue a lost ticket for one of our brave service members who is trying to fly home for the Christmas holidays. If this situation is not remedied in favor of the soldier I personally will never fly SWA again. I will also email this story to all my family, friends, and colleagues. Here is the link to this soldier's story: http://www.goarmyparents.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6035
blusk
Aviator C
Thanks for sharing your thoughts C.Parker. We admit that this wasn't handled in the best possible way, but I am happy to report that our folks in Customer Relations have come up with a solution that works for the Army, the soldier's family, and most importantly, the soldier. We apologize for our apparent red-tape, but as Shelley reports in this blog, we are so grateful for everyone in the military. Brian
1LT_Thomas_Hine
Explorer C
I thank the employees of Soutwest for their support. This does not extend to the Company. At the end of June or early July, I planned leave for early December and purchased tickets at the rate being charged at that time. Subsequently, I was mobilized and head to Afghanistan two days after Thanksgiving. I called Southwest and asked for a credit to be applied to subsequent travel. As is your policy for everyone, the agent was happy to do so, provided that I complete my travel prior to July 1. Of course I will still be fighting the war on July 1st. Hence, Southwest is happy to support my family and I by keeping our money and providing nothing in return. Your actions lead me to conclude that you do not support the troops but merely provide lip service to the concept in order to secure the business of those Americans that actually do.
Vicky_Evans
Explorer C
Brian was so helpful with the other problem on the lost tickets that I felt he would possibly be able to remedy another situation. One of our fellow soldiers has been deployed and had purchased a plane ticket home for Christmas prior to being issued his new orders. He has since contacted Southwest and was told that they would hold the amount (probably minus the change fee) but the credit must be used prior to July 1, 2008. As all of us are very aware, when our soldiers are shipped into combat it is usually for a time period of 15 to 18 months at the very least. There is no way he will be back to use those tickets/credit by July 1.
blusk
Aviator C
Our Customer Relations folks have been in touch with the Lieutenant's wife, and we have processed a full refund, considering the circumstances. Brian
Vicky_Evans
Explorer C
Brian, Thank you so much for your assistance to our military personnel. Many corporate giants have become impersonal and have lost the human touch. I am happy to know that we still have a "heart" at Southwest Airlines. Thanks again. Vicky
Selesitina_Fuga
Explorer C
My brother is Sgt. 1st Class Michael T. Fuga, who was an employee of Southwest. I wish to thank Southwest Airlines Company and emloyees for all your love and care for our family during his funeral. Not only did you fly our family free from Las Vegas, Seattle, North Caroline to Missouri and back, but employees of Southwest attended my brother's wake and funeral. Your kind gestures and deeds was like a warm blanket of comfort for us at the time of our loss. Your staff were soooo warm, caring and giving, helping to make Mom's transition as comfortable as possible, we will always be grateful. (Mom was almost 85 when Michael left, she is now 86.) You reached out as if you were part of us. THANK YOU and God bless you always.